FortiClient VPN (Windows) - Installing and Connecting

Prerequisites

• Approved Remote Access request. You or your supervisor must submit a request through the System Access Request (SAR) app. Your supervisor must approve it, and you must sign the required agreements. See Remote Access - How to Request VPN or Remote Desktop at SIUE for the full process.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Set up Microsoft Authenticator with app-based notifications. See Multifactor Authentication (MFA).
• SIUE E-ID and password.

Download and Install FortiClient

1. Download the FortiClient VPN software for Windows.
2. Open the downloaded file to start the installer. The full installer image downloads first.
3. Check Yes, I have read and accept the License Agreement and click Next.
4. Click Install.
5. Click Finish when the installation completes.
6. Find the FortiClient icon in the system tray (bottom-right, near the clock). Right-click and select Open FortiClient Console.

7. Check the support acknowledgement box and click I accept.
8. Click Configure VPN to open the connection settings.
9. Enter these settings then click Save:

• • Connection Name: SIUE Work From Home VPN
  • Remote Gateway: https://workfromhome.siue.edu
  • Check Enable Single Sign On (SSO) for VPN Tunnel
  • Check Use external browser

Connect to the VPN

1. In the FortiClient console, click Connect.
   
2. Your default browser opens a login page. Enter your SIUE email address and password and complete the multi-factor authentication.
3. After you log in, you see a confirmation page.
   
4. The FortiClient console status now shows Connected.
   

You can now launch your applications and connect to SIUE on-campus computers.

Connect to Your Campus Computer with Remote Desktop

Once the VPN is connected, you can use Remote Desktop to access your campus Windows computer.

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on your computer.

2. Click Show Options to expand the settings.
   

3. In the Computer field, enter <eid>.desktop.siue.edu. Replace <eid> with your SIUE E-ID.
   

4. Click Connect.
5. Enter your SIUE username and password when prompted.
   

6. If prompted, approve the certificate or trust the remote computer.
   
   

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!